Economic development and environmental impacts by oil, gas and mining activities in Cambodia
Development and Partnership in Action (DPA), which supports and facilitates the Extractive Industry Social and Environmental Impact (EISEI) network, organised a public forum on Extractive Industry entitled “Economic development and environmental impacts by oil and mining activities in Cambodia”.
The public forum was conducted according to the current situation of the Royal Government of Cambodia, which is focusing more on the development of the extractive industry. In recent years, the exploration of mining, oil and gas has been developed and in the future, the government hopes to receive more income from this sector to develop the country.
This forum was held on 21st December 2012, at Dara Reaksmey restaurant in Preah Vihear province with 57 participants (21 women). The aims of the forum were to: (1) Improve knowledge on mining, oil and gas as well as to share information on mining activities at national level and in Preah Vihear province; (2) Provide the opportunity for communities, civil society organisations and governmental institutions to work together to discuss difficult issues which occurred; and (3) Encourage awareness and pay more attention on mining investment and protection from its impact on social and environment as well as work together with the government, civil society organisations, communities and development partners to enhance the implementation of laws on mining and oi,l especially with regard to human rights and good governance on natural resource management for sustainable development. Read more…
The importance of communities’ participation in addressing impacts from mining activities
The rapid growth of mining exploration, exploitation and development in Cambodia leads many people to believe it will generate considerable income for the government. However, there is a likelihood that the impact from this industry may also pose a threat to the environment and to the livelihood of local communities.
In dealing with this issue, DPA is focusing more on building the capacity of communities through meetings, trainings, workshops and public forums. Alongside the national Extractive Industry Social and Environmental Impact (EISEI) network, Development and Partnership in Action (DPA) is playing an important role in facilitating meetings between the community, government and mining companies to discuss mining development projects. It is also working with communities who have concerns about mining activities taking place in their residential areas. Read more…
Support ICD programmes to organize network meeting on EI at provincial level
In December 2009, the EISEI advisor, EI Impact Officer, and an advisor cooperated with ICD staff to attend a network meeting on the EISEI strategic plan framework for Mondolkiri and Rattanakiri provinces. The meeting sought comment from network members on the draft EISEI strategic plan framework. There were fourteen participants (two women) from local NGOs including NTFP, HA, RDCNRM, ICSO MY Village, Oxfam Australia, ADHOC, ICSO, and Vigilance.
EI Training in Battambang Province
From December 23rd to the 25th, 2009, the Advocacy officer, EISEI officer and EISEI adviser facilitated and attended a training-workshop organized by DPA at the Ratanak hotel in Battambang province. There were thirty nine participants (twelve women) from Phnom Penh, Steung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondolkiri provinces. This training workshop was designed to improve the understanding and knowledge of DPA staff on Extractive Industry impacts and revenue management, sustainable investment, corporate social responsibility in the mining industry in Cambodia, and advocacy strategies. It provided opportunities for staff members of each program to share experiences and information on mining activities being done in their target areas, and identify a strategic framework to address EI issues.
Facilitate the Formation of Community Networks for EI Impact Monitoring
On February 11th, 2010, the EI impact officer joined a community meeting at Teun commune, Koon Mom district, Rattanakiri province on Extractive Industry Social and Environmental Impact (EISEI). The meeting’s purpose was to build the capacity of community people to be stronger and more effective in dialogues with duty bearers on EI issues, and to help empower them to monitor EI issues in their community. Twenty six community people (seven women) participated this meeting and committed to share the information gained with others in their communities.
Governance of Extractive Industries in Southeast Asia: Managing Resources for Regional Prosperity
From March 30th to April 1st, CRRT chairman Mr. Mam Sambath, along with several other coalition members, attended the Oxfam America workshop “Governance of Extractive Industries in Southeast Asia: Managing Resources for Regional Prosperity” at the Sunway Hotel in Phnom Penh. Participants hailed from as far away as East Timor and the United Kingdom and came together to discuss the current state of extractive industries governance and strategize ways to positively contribute to its improvement. Mr. Sambath presented the country update for Cambodia and sat on a panel discussing responsible revenue management, alongside representatives from government and the private sector in addition to civil society. Over 120 people were in attendance.
Training of Trainer on Extractive Industry Social and Environment Impact
In 2010, DPA-DEA cooperated with Bridges Across Borders (BABC) in developing the first EI curriculum for Cambodia. The project consists of two main components: developing a set of interactive curricula on mining to include background information, impact, legal framework and advocacy strategies for affected communities and a five- day Training of Trainers workshop to test the curriculum. The aim of this curriculum is to heighten awareness about issues around mining, including the mining process, impact of mining and the legal framework; to provide practical advice on how affected communities and activists can advocate for their communities if they are affected by mining; and to encourage and assist NGO and network activists to conduct their own training workshops with affected communities. Read more…